If your dog has been dealing with colitis, their tummy troubles can leave you both feeling a bit concerned. You might be wondering what not to feed dogs with colitis, or not realise that certain foods can be a trigger.
Here at Green Pantry, we believe in the power of completely natural dog food and a wholesome diet when it comes to supporting your dog’s digestive system. Carefully choosing what you put in their bowl can be the difference between a happy dog and a lacklustre one.
Let’s see which foods you should avoid to help soothe your dog’s colitis…
What is colitis in dogs?
First things first, it’s beneficial for you to get a better understanding of what colitis actually is and how it affects your beloved pet. Colitis in dogs is a common condition that refers to the inflammation of the large intestine, also known as the colon. This inflammation disrupts the colon’s normal functions, which are to absorb water, store faeces, and help with their digestive system.
The most common symptoms of colitis in dogs include:
- Diarrhoea containing blood or mucus
- Straining to poo
- Vomiting
- A painful tummy
If your dog is showing symptoms of the above, it might be helpful to take a poo sample (or a photograph) to show to your vet. This condition can affect dogs of any age, but it is more common in middle-aged and senior dogs. Dogs who suffer from pancreatitis may also be more susceptible to colitis; when the pancreas becomes severely inflamed, this inflammation can spread to surrounding tissues and organs, including the colon.
While the exact cause of colitis is not always clear, there are indeed several factors that can trigger the condition. These may include stress, dietary changes, infections, parasites, and certain medications.
Proper nutrition is essential for managing colitis. And, at Green Pantry, we know a thing or two about that! Feeding your pooch a diet that is easy to digest and low in fat can help to reduce inflammation and ease those pesky symptoms like diarrhoea and abdominal pain. Your vet may recommend avoiding certain foods or adding natural dog supplements to your dog’s diet. It’s important to follow these recommendations and avoid foods that may trigger their symptoms.
What you shouldn’t feed dogs with colitis
With that in mind, when feeding your dog with colitis, it’s important to be aware of those foods to avoid. Some examples include:
- High-fat foods: Fatty foods are harder for dogs to digest and can contribute to inflammation. Avoid feeding your dog fatty meats, dairy products, and fried foods. Table scraps can be tempting, but try to say no to those puppy dog eyes!
- High-fibre foods: While fibre can sometimes be beneficial for managing colitis, foods that have high fibre can also cause digestive upset and worsen symptoms in some dogs. Avoid foods like beans, legumes, and bran.
- Dairy products: Some dogs who have colitis are lactose intolerant and may have difficulty digesting dairy products. Dairy products can also cause your dog to fart more! Avoid things like milk and cheese.
- Processed foods and artificial additives: A lot of dog foods and treats contain fillers, artificial colours and flavours, and preservatives that can trigger flare-ups. Make the switch to Green Pantry natural dog treats that are filled with delicious and natural ingredients.
Stacy Brook, tells us how important it is to avoid these sorts of foods.
“It is essential to avoid high-fat, high-fibre, dairy, and processed foods when managing colitis in dogs, as these dietary components can aggravate intestinal inflammation and exacerbate clinical symptoms. Providing a carefully selected, natural diet plays a vital role in promoting gastrointestinal health and supporting the healing process.”
— Stacy Brook, Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN)
What you should feed dogs with colitis
So, what is actually good for your sensitive pooch? Here at Green Pantry, we’ve got just the answer! When looking for dog food for colitis, you should look out for a recipe that’s easy to digest and gentle on the digestive tract.
The goal is to reduce irritation, firm up stools, and provide essential nutrients without triggering a flare-up. Here’s what we would recommend feeding your sensitive pooch:
- Lean, cooked proteins: Novel protein sources, like chicken, pork, or duck, can help to give their digestive system a chance to rest and heal.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3s have powerful anti-inflammatory properties that help to soothe the inflamed lining of the colon.
- Balanced fibre content: Fibre is extremely important for colon health, but getting the amount and type right is key. Work with your vet if needed to figure out the ideal fibre intake for your dog.
- Limited ingredients: Dogs will benefit from recipes that contain a small number of ingredients, as this can minimise the risk of a food-related flare-up. Using a simplified recipe makes it easier to determine if a specific protein, grain, or additive is causing your dog’s symptoms.
In particular, we’d recommend our Trout with Salmon, Lentils, & Spinach natural dog food that supports healthy digestion. Trout and salmon are easily digestible sources of protein, while peas and spinach provide essential vitamins. Linseed is valued for its high omega-3 fatty acid levels and can combat inflammation, and lentils also provide essential protein and fibre.
See for yourself… This recipe has helped plenty of concerned pet owners manage their dog’s colitis. Hear from a few below!
“I cannot recommend Green Pantry enough. Our 11 year old Cocker Spaniel, Jake, suffered with colitis for years, in the end he was on steroid injections he was so poorly. We came across a little pet shop called Posh Paws at Fineshade Woods near Stamford in May this year, and on chatting to the store owner, she recommended we give Green Pantry food a try so we started him on the white fish trial packs. Immediately we saw results. We now give him the Trout & Salmon with lentils and spinach and he loves it, he hasn’t been ill at all since he has been on this food. After struggling for many years on special prescription foods from the Vet we are so thankful we were advised Green Pantry – Holistic Health Food for Pets. The delivery process is also outstanding.”
“My 2 dogs love their food and they have fewer bouts of colitis. Good communication re payment and delivery.”
You can take a look at exactly what’s in our pantry here, where each recipe looks just like it would in your kitchen before cooking.
Say hello to better digestive health with Green Pantry
Hopefully, this post has taught you what not to feed dogs with colitis. Helping your dog manage their colitis can feel like a challenge, but with a little knowledge and a lot of love, you can make a huge difference!
Here at Green Pantry, we genuinely care about the health and well-being of your beloved furry friend. Got a question or just need some advice? Then please don’t hesitate to contact us! We’re also more than happy to chat with you on the phone – just give us a call on 01553 811 320.
Join our happy customers and discover the importance of natural nutrition today! Not convinced? Have a look at why we’re rated 4.9/5 ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot.
